Bay Area Houston Magazine August 2019 by Bay Group Media

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August 2019

AUGUST 2019

features

Chris Kraft passes at the age of 95

America Loses a Legend

Care and comfort should always come first

Sponsored by Bay Area Houston Magazine

Dental Health Bay Area Bridal Show Sept. 29

22 Aerospace Houston Spaceport slowly turning dream into reality 24 Healthcare Houston Methodist celebrates 100 years 25 Education Clear Creek ISD teachers/staff get pay hike 26

Serving Houston as the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest community bank

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Bay Area restaurants and entertainment

Allegiance Bank is extremely proud to serve Houston and the surrounding counties as the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest community bank.

Opening night benefits Longhorn Project

The multi-talented Kelly Williams

By Alisa Star

Learn others love language

A cut above the rest

Celebrating 23 years of success

Returned to original glory

Stories from around the Bay

Council of Mayors meets with legislators

BayTran welcomes new port chairman

President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Judy Gaines Karen Laroux Amber Sample Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Betha Merit Xander Thomas Photography Mary Alys Cherry MoonBridge Media NASA Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission. Advertising rates are available upon request.

The Best Bites of the Bay Cut Foil Wine & Piano Bar Life is Limitless 50+ and Feeling Fabulous Love Languages Bay Area Body Shop The Longhorn Project Apollo Mission Control News Nuggets Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Business Buzz

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

JSC Director Mark Geyer

Movers & Shakers

Flight Museum Gala raises $700,000

Luxury SUVs defined

Heald Bank Regatta and Gulf Coast Mariner Buccaneer Bash

We all live in different worlds

Bay Area Houston calendar of events

Clear Lake Chatter In Wheel Time Lakewood Yacht Clubs News & Events Texas Meditations Main Events

By Mary Alys Cherry

hose were the words

of NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein as he announced the passing of the legendary Chris Kraft, who was not only NASA’s first flight director, but a man who played a key role in helping build the Johnson Space Center and create the concept of Mission Control, which is housed in the building aptly named the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center. Kraft died Monday, July 22, just two days after America celebrated the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon, which he helped direct. He was 95. “Chris was one of the core team members that helped our nation put humans in space and on the Moon, and his legacy is immeasurable,” Bridenstein said. His engineering talents were put to work for our nation at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, before NASA even existed, but it was his

legendary work to establish mission control, as we know it, for the earliest crewed space flights that perhaps most strongly advanced our journey of discovery. “Chris was flight director at some of the most iconic moments of space history, as humans first orbited the Earth and stepped outside of an orbiting spacecraft. For his work, he was awarded the NASA Outstanding

Christopher Columbus Kraft Jr. joined the NASA Space Task Group in November 1958 as NASA’s first flight director, with responsibilities that immersed him in mission procedures and challenging operational issues. During the Apollo program, he became the director of Flight Operations, responsible for all human spaceflight mission planning,

“Chris was flight director at some of the most iconic moments of space history.” Leadership Medal by President John F. Kennedy. Chris later led the Johnson Space Center, known then as the Manned Spacecraft Center, as our human exploration work reached for new heights following the Apollo Program. We stand on his shoulders as we reach deeper into the solar system, and he will always be with us on those journeys.”

training and execution. After serving as deputy director of the center for three years, he was named JSC director in January 1972 – a post he held until his retirement in August 1982, playing a vital role in the success of the final Apollo missions, the Skylab crewed space station, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project and the first flights of the space shuttle.

Kraft was born Feb. 28, 1924 in Hampton, Va. After high school, he enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI, now Virginia Tech) and enrolled in mechanical engineering in 1941 but later decided to major in aeronautical engineering. In 1944, he graduated with one of the first degrees in that field awarded by the Institute and was hired by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor organization to NASA. He worked for over a decade in aeronautical research before being asked in 1958, when NASA was formed, to join the Space Task Group, a small team entrusted with the responsibility of putting America’s first man in space. Kraft was invited by Robert Gilruth to become a part of a new group that was working on the problems of putting a man into orbit. Without much hesitation, he accepted the offer. When the Space Task Group was officially formed on Nov. 5, Kraft became one of the original 35 engineers to be assigned to Project Mercury, America’s man-in-space program. As a member of the Space Task Group, Kraft was assigned to the flight operations division, which made plans and arrangements for the operation of the Mercury spacecraft during flight and for the control and monitoring of missions from the ground. Since his retirement from NASA, Kraft has consulted for numerous companies including IBM and Rockwell International, served as a Director-at-Large of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Board of Visitors at Virginia Tech. In 2001, he published an autobiography entitled “Flight: My Life in Mission Control.” His book is a detailed discussion of his life through the end of the Apollo program, and was a New York Times bestseller. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal; four NASA Distinguished Service Medals; the Distinguished Alumnus Citation from Virginia Tech, in 1965; and the John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award for 1996. In 1999, he was presented the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement for which he was cited as “A driving force in the U.S. human space-flight program from its beginnings to the Space Shuttle era, a man whose accomplishments have become legendary.” Chris Kraft married his high school sweetheart, Betty Anne Turnbull, in 1950. They have a son and a daughter, Gordon and Kristi-Anne.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

DENTAL HEALTH

Care and Comfort Should Always Come First

Susan Woods, actual patient of Dr. Noie.

Going to the dentist, for most people, is unpleasant and can even seem scary.

any of us feel uneasy, like a lot of things could go wrong, and no one wants that; least of all, inside your mouth. Susan Woods’ experience was nothing short of this type of horror story, until she found Dr. Noie. “He had taken like a file between my teeth,” Susan said of her previous dentist. When she was about 19 years old, she went in to get braces put on, and in making room for her teeth to straighten out, the dentist had cracked some of the enamel off of her teeth, causing her to get cavities, and later some deterioration.

At first she had settled for a temporary fix, which later caused much bigger issues. “I’d lost a couple of teeth that had a crown on them, and the teeth had gone bad underneath the crown, and I kept putting it off and putting it off,” Susan said. When this happened, she was apprehensive about getting the problem fixed because of what she had suffered before. She finally decided to turn to the man that she had originally sought out to be her children’s dentist. She said that he had shown so much concern for her oral problems and it took some convincing for her to get it fixed. It was Dr. Farid Noie who explained to her that she was swallowing all of the bacteria growing under the crown, and that it was going to her heart. This was not good at all for her health. Dr. Noie was persistent in getting her to take care of this.

She also had another thing holding her back from the treatment she needed; because of a stroke she had previously experienced, she was prescribed blood thinners, which she would have to stop taking to get surgery. But Dr. Noie was all too ready to make this happen for her. “He did three quarters of my mouth in one day because I couldn’t get off my blood thinners like that very often,” she said. She says he will go out of his way and do whatever is necessary to make sure his patients are taken care of, and that when she needs work done, she feels comfortable knowing that he will be the one doing it. “Even if it’s harder for him, he’s okay with that, as long as it’s better for you,” she said. She says that no matter what the problem is, that Dr. Noie will do what he can to give the proper care to his patients. Susan says that she had gone to see him about excruciating tooth pain, but upon inspecting it, Dr. Noie would tell her that there was nothing wrong with the tooth. “I would go in and I’d be in tears,” she said, “I finally insisted that he pull it.” Turns out that the tooth in question was imbedded into her sinus and every time she would get an infection or have a problem, it would affect that tooth. Susan pointed out that Dr. Noie was able to do everything for her himself, from cleaning, to checking her mouth, to pulling a tooth, and that he is the one who has done, and will do the rest of her implants. “A lot of dentists will send you out to have your wisdom teeth removed somewhere else, like an oral surgeon,” She said, “but he is able to do all those kinds of things.” The convenience of a onestop-shop for all oral needs is just one thing that keeps loyal people like Susan coming back to him. You know he cares, and he won’t try to pawn you off onto someone else to get the work

done. Combined with the fact that she considers Dr. Noie a close friend, she has no need to look any further. He even takes care of her husband and her two childrens’ dental needs. Susan says that his thoughtfulness goes beyond the gums. “I love him very much, he is not just my dentist but a good friend,” she said. “He always asks about my family and wants to know how everybody is doing. He truly cares.” She wants people to know that he will do what he can to make sure his patients are comfortable before going to work, and that he will always put the time and effort in to make sure it is done right. “That’s the thing, he takes time with everyone” she said.

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright State University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Movers &Shakers Name: Mark Geyer Occupation: Director, NASA Johnson Space Center Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Current home: Clear Lake

My favorite performers are: Jethro Tull, Needtobreathe

Family: Wife- Jacqueline Geyer, Daughter Samantha Berno, Son-in-law Alex Berno, Sons Russell and Andrew Geyer

I like to spend my leisure time: Spending time with my family, playing video games

My favorite writer is: John Grisham

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: China

Someone I’d like to meet: Living: Drew Brees, Past: Stan Musial

CCISD Grad Claude Harmon Celebrates Big Golf Win Claude (C. H.) Harmon, III, swing coach for pro golfer Brooks Koepka, celebrates Brooks’ win of the 2019 PGA Golf Championship. Claude was a 1989 graduate of Clear Creek High School.

Bay Area Museum Guild celebrating 35th anniversary Bay Area Museum Guild members will gather at the museum in Clear Lake Park, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, for both a celebration and a look to the future as they celebrate their 35th anniversary. Founded on July 17, 1984, the Guild membership plans to take a look back at their many years of service to the Bay Area community and unveil some exciting plans for the future of the organization during a luncheon. There will be reminiscing as they look back into the past and excitement about the future they plan, officers said in making the announcement. All members and especially those who served as president are urged to attend. RSVPs should be made by contacting Vice President Louise Russell at louiserussell100@ gmail.com or by calling 281-300-5262.

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: The President of the United States. Would be really interesting to see what happens up there.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

My favorite meal is: German Bratwurst As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Involved in the space program You’ll never catch me: Eating sushi The thing that bugs me the most is: The middle seat on a long flight. My favorite movie is: Dr. Strangelove Few people know: I went to high school in Boise, Idaho.

Bay Area Houston Magazine To Sponsor Bridal Show Sept. 29

ome join us for the 2nd Annual Bay area Bridal show on Sunday Sept. 29 from at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hilton NASA Clear Lake ballroom. This show is a must for all brides, groom or anyone planning an event. The best of the Bay Area wedding vendors will be featured. The Bay Area Bridal Show is designed to be a convenient, no hassle one-stop event for wedding planning. The focus of the Bridal Show is to provide wedded couples with the opportunity to meet any and all vendors they are looking for, and answer any questions they may have. The bridal fashion show cocktail hour is from 4 - 5 p.m. in the majestic upstairs ballroom, and is included in the ticket price. Some of the many features include stunning wedding attire, a cash bar and entry to the wedding shower giveaway, valued at $2,000. Winners must be present to win. Bridal experts and vendors will be there to take the stress out of wedding planning and put your mind at ease. So come and have a glass of champagne and see all the latest fashions! Tickets are only $10 at the door (or on EventBrite) • Includes a glass of champagne • Entry to the bridal shower giveaway Board Members • Chairman: David Robertson (Musical Cheers DJ) • Vice Chairman: Kristi Allen (His & Hers Foto) • Immediate Past chairman: Amy Doherty (Robinette & Company Caterers) • Secretary: Mackenzie Walker: (Nothing Bundt Cakes) • Membership: David Raciti (Darker Side DJs & Photo Booth) Jan Jordan ( Jordan Limousines) • Treasurer: Janice Gunnin-Wilson (Weddings by Janice) • Member at Large: Danielle Smith (Jill’s Fashions and Bridals) • Marketing: Christy Lyons (Who’s That Girl Wedding and Events)

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by David Ortiz and PWL Studio

Ellington Airport General Manager Arturo Manchuca and his wife, Myrna, look for their table at the Blue Skies Gala.

Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner and his wife, Ginny, join the Lone Star Flight Museum crowd at the The Revaire.

FLIGHT MUSEUM BLUE SKIES GALA RAISES $700,000

Honorary Blue Skies Gala Chairman Margaret Alkek Williams, from left, joins Lone Star Flight Museum President and CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Doug Owens and his wife, Teresa, at the fundraiser.

Lone Star Flight Museum Chief Operating Officer Chris Richardson presents the Blue Skies Company of Distinction Award to Ralph Vasami, CEO of Universal Weather and Aviation.

Former NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz and his wife, Marta, were in the crowd at the Lone Star Flight Museum gala.

Gala Co-Chairmen Ralph and Bette Thomas, left, say hello to Janine Iannarelli while enjoying the Blue Skies Gala benefitting the Lone Star Flight Museum.

Owens told the crowd, was made possible by the generous support of our gala co-chairs, our gala planning committee, and the gala host committee along with underwriters, table sponsors and ticket holders. I also want to thank our amazing volunteers and staff members who dedicate their time and talent day in and day out to the mission of our museum. We are committed to celebrating flight and achievements in Texas aviation as well as educating and engaging our youth through STEM, and the support we received

through this amazing gala will allow us to continue with those efforts.” Guests were treated to assorted wines, champagne, cocktails, and a gourmet three-course dinner and dancing to the music of the Richard Brown Orchestra. Located at Ellington Airport, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, LSFM is open Tuesday-Sunday and seven days a week all summer long. Tickets start at $9.95 with senior and military discounts. For details, visit lonestarflight.org or call 346-708-2517.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

MOVERS AND SHAKERS from both air and space contributed more than $700,000 at this year’s “Moonstruck: 2019 Blue Skies Gala,” to support STEM-related programs and the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Field. Held at The Revaire on Old Katy Road in Houston, the black-tie event drew a crowd of more than 500 supporters of the Lone Star Flight Museum’s educational mission. KPRC-TV Ch. 2 meteorologist Khambrel Marshall emceed the event with board member Ralph Thomas and his wife,Bette,as co-chairmen and Houston philanthropist Margaret Alkek Williams as honorary gala chairman. Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, a former astronaut, and museum board member, joined Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Doug Owens, museum president and CEO, and Scott Rozzell, chairman of the board of directors, in recognizing special guest Gene Kranz and others who played a key role in the Apollo space program.

Flight Museum youth ambassador Marshall Calderon, from left, visits with former NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz and Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, former astronaut and museum board member.

An inductee in the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, Krantz was a flight director during the Apollo 13 mission when the spacecraft experienced a malfunction but was safely guided back to earth. Krantz attended the gala, in part, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo program and the first manned mission to land on the moon on July 20, 1969. Gala patrons included the greater Houston area’s prominent philanthropists, business leaders, elected and appointed government officials, pilots, astronauts, students and others who share the belief that aviation inspires endless possibilities. “This amazing event,” General

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry, Donnie Johnson and Louise Russell

Museum Guild Vice President Louise Russell, right, is happy to see Treasurer Diana Dornak as they join the crowd at this year’s annual Silver Tea.

Donnie Johnson, right, stops for a photo with Gloria Wong as they arrive about the same time at the 2019 Silver Tea.

Museum Guild members a busy crowd IF YOU RUN INTO members of the Bay Area Museum Guild this summer, and they look a bit tired, they probably are. For them, it has been a busy spring that included four Kandy Johnson and Laraine events -- the annual Eggers at the Bay Area Museum Silver Tea, picnic, Guild Wine Tasting wine tasting and installation luncheon. Many prepared food and punch for the events, while others made preparations in the museum, lining up helpers, etc. -- all in an effort to brighten up our community, as they have been doing for the past 35 years.

Silver Tea honors Webster church USUALLY, the Museum Guild honors some well known person at its annual Silver Tea. But this year, the Guild recognized Webster Presbyterian Church,

Guendaliwa Rotito, Maria Sumner and Missy Rorrer, from left, make a pretty picture as they mingle with the crowd at the Bay Area Museum Guild Silver Tea.

which has been a part of the Bay Area for 126 years, showing off items from the original church – a part of which became Bay Area Museum when the new church was built back in the 80s. Tea Co-Chairmen Jill Smitherman and Belinda Scheurich were Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier look over the crowd at at the door to the Bay Area Museum Guild welcome the Wine Tasting. dozens and dozens, including many Lunar Rendezvous princesses and lieutenants, who dropped by to sample the array of savories and sweets and the punch served up by Louise Russell, Diana Dornak, Cindy Kuenneke, Badiha Nassau, Gail Devens and Sally Jordan. Among the many dropping by, we spotted Judy Raiford, Mary Williams, Michelle Holland, Kim Woods, Mary Ann Baxter, Missy Rorrer, Maria Summer, Karen McCorkle, Shirley Brasseaux, Angie Weinman, Anita Fogtman, Jill Reason and Ava Galt, to name a few.

John and Lew Wade, left, and Shirley Brasseaux were among the crowd at the Bay Area Museum Guild spring picnic.

Long-time Bay Area Museum Guild members Mary Ann Baxter, left, and Judy Raiford reminisce about all the Silver Teas they have attended through the years.

Pat Biddle, left and Betty Lester debate which wines to sample at the Museum Guild Wine Tasting.

Jan Larson, Louise Russell, Gail Devens and Rose Merle Symmank, from left, visit during the Bay Area Museum Guild spring picnic, held on the lawn outside of the museum.

Pat and Wendell Wilson, left, with Big Larson at the Bay Area Museum Guild spring picnic.

Sally Jordan, left, and Liz DeLeon thank Seabrook Police Officer Echenroad for dropping by at the Bay Area Museum Guild spring picnic.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Luxury SUV s Defined By Don Armstrong

o you define a luxury

SUV by price, brand, content or a combination of all three? This month, Bay Area Houston Magazine takes a look at one all-new crossover and one that’s been around awhile, but they may blur your definition of luxury. Cadillac XT4 The XT4 is an all-new, entry-level crossover from Cadillac and pricing alone will surely drive a lot of first-time buyers to this traditional American luxury brand. Exterior styling mimics Cadillac’s other SUV’s, an edgy front fascia with creative lighting, conservative body side-sculpting and unique rear lighting that begins in the c-pillar and curves inward toward the center license plate cove. The interior is spacious when compared to other small, 2-row crossovers, leather is Cadillac grade and the dash nicely carved. Two rows of horizontal HVAC buttons under the infotainment screen are easy to read and convenient for both driver and front passenger. The reconfigurable instrument cluster lets you display multiple info screens. There’s only one engine and it should be plenty for most. The 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder delivers 237-horsepower, 258-lb.ft. torque and is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s rated at 24 mpgcity and 30-highway. 4-wheel drive is

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

available and may come in handy on slick boat ramps. We recommend the nicely equipped mid-level trim, Premium Luxury. Pricing starts at $35,695. Jeep Grand Cherokee The current Jeep Grand Cherokee body style has been produced since 2011 and still remains the most awarded SUV ever. This is a rolling testament to the designers at Jeep that had a vision to create an SUV we love. Starting at $31,945 - that can blossom to $54,955 – price alone will tell you that the Grand Cherokee is offered with so many options, you can have it built to fit your most detailed desire. Around Bay Area streets, the V-6 with two-wheel drive may work just fine. A Hemi V-8 is also offered along with a diesel and the mind-warping SRT performance model along with 4-wheel drive. Interiors range from cloth to high-end leather, heated and cooled seating, the nicely sorted Uconnect infotainment system, and the list goes on and on. Jeep knows a thing or two about 4-wheel drive and the Cherokee ranks among the best at real offroading capability, unlike many other manufacturer’s offerings. Whether you’re shopping Land Rover, Lexus or Cadillac, the Jeep Grand Cherokee should be on your shopping list too.

[LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB NEWS & EVENTS]

Top Shoe Regatta finishers announced Lakewood Yacht Club, along with the Bay Access Sailing Foundation, have announced the top finishers in the 2019 KO Sailing Helly Hansen Shoe Regatta they hosted. “As usual, with the help of our great volunteers, on and off the water, generous sponsors, and a fantastic group of racers, we pulled off another successful regatta here at Lakewood,” Race Chairman Bob Hunkins said. The top 2019 finishers are: J/22 • 1st Tom Meeh / Meehem / GBCA • 2nd Casey Lambert / Blackburn Marine Racing / LYC • 3rd Alexander Wise / Let the Wookie Win / LYC J/105 • 1st Ken Horne / Final Final / LYC • 2nd Brad Robbins / Rumpus / LYC, GBCA • 3rd John Barnett / Pesto / LYC PHRF Non-Spin Distance • 1st Thomas Reiser / Sweet Peril / LYC • 2nd Ash Walker / Good News / LYC • 3rd Lamar Felder / Muse / HYC, GBCA, TMCA PHRF Spinnaker Racer-Cruiser Distance • 1st Ronald Eddleman / Stellar of Course / GBCA • 2nd Marty Pedowicz / Hobgoblin / LYC • 3rd Gerhard Wittich / Figaro / LYC ORC Spinnaker W/L • 1st Cran Fraser / Whistler II / LYC • 2nd Albrecht Goethe / Hamburg II / LYC • 3rd Forbes Durdin / Bear / LYC Detailed results can be found on the Lakewood Yacht Club website, at lakewoodyachtclub.com/regattas/raceresults. The first place winners in each class received premier Helly Hansen sailing shoes at the awards ceremony held Sunday, May 19. This year’s non-title sponsors include the City of Seabrook, Faron Daigle, REALTOR, Little Yacht Sales, Texas Coast Yachts, Davis Marine Electronics, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance, Kevin Severance Insurance, True North Marine, Blackburn Marine, Upstream Brokers, Southwest Distilleries, Hayes Rigging, Bay Area Houston Magazine and Mariner Magazine. The City of Seabrook afforded family members and other out-of-town guests an array of entertaining activities while the racers were out on Galveston Bay. Those interested in sponsoring next year’s race or have questions should contact LYC at 281- 474-2511 or Bob Hunkins, the KO Sailing Helly Hansen Shoe Regatta chairman, at rdhunkins@ comcast.net or 281-216-4082.

Gulf Coast Mariner Buccaneer Bash at the Heald Bank Regatta Lakewood Yacht Club and organizing authority Bay Access hosted the 2019 Heald Bank Race June 28-29, which is raced annually on the Gulf of Mexico. “Friday’s offshore race presented a light air conditions challenge for the fleet,” said Event Chair Andrea Todaro. “Saturday’s bay race was put on hold to be sailed another day when lightning and hail threatened the safety of the competitors.” See full results on the LYC website at lakewoodyachtclub.com under Racing and Regattas. The post-race Buccaneer Bash at LYC was a huge hit. Racers, volunteers, guests and LYC members enjoyed a sumptuous buffet of roasted pig, fried yucca, fruit salad, decadent rum cake and many other island delicacies. Entertainment was provided by Hanna’s Reef and Jerry Diaz. Music and dancing was enjoyed by all. Race sponsors include the City of Seabrook, Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine, K.O. Sailing, Little Yacht Sales, Davis Marine Electronics, Kevin E. Severance Insurance, Hayes Rigging, Sea Lake Yachts, Faron Daigle-REALTOR, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Blackburn Marine, True North Marine, Texas Coast Yachts, Upstream Brokers, Texas Navy Rum, and Pelican Insurance. “We appreciated the support of all sponsors and notably of presenting sponsor Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine,” added Todaro.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

[AEROSPACE]

Houston Spaceport slowly turning dream into reality By Mary Alys Cherry

he Houston Spaceport

has been a dream for the past four years. Now it is moving toward reality after a groundbreaking ceremony June 28 for the first phase of the project at Ellington Field. “When complete, Phase 1 will provide the ground work to support the companies that produce the cutting-edge innovations needed to take commercial space travel and aviation into the sub-sonic, supersonic and hyper-sonic realm,” Diaz said, no doubt remembering a day four years ago on June 30, 2015, when Houston received its license from the FAA and became the nation’s ninth spaceport. Phase 1 of the project required an $18.8 million investment to provide the ground level infrastructure – streets, electrical power, water, wastewater, fiber optic and communication facilities -- to attract commercial space travel and aviation companies to Houston. That came in May when Houston City Council

approved the funds. Joining Diaz in turning the first shovels of dirt were Ellington Airport Director Arturo Machuca, Houston City Councilman Mike Knox, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus and FAA Deputy Regional Administrator Rob Lowe. Altemus’ Intuitive Machines, is the first company to sign on as a Spaceport tenant. Back in May, the company received a $77.2 million contract from NASA to create, launch and land its Nova-C lunar lander spacecraft to the surface of the moon with a payload of experiments from both NASA and private companies. And then there is the need for training, for which the Spaceport has partnered with San Jacinto College. To help train that workforce, San Jacinto Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, says the Spaceport’s Edge Center for Advanced Manufacturing Training will serve as a workforce training center, providing a talent pipeline for new businesses.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

Taking part in the Spaceport groundbreaking were, from left, Houston City Councilman Mike Knox, Intuitive Machines President Steve Altemus, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Houston Airport System Executive Director Mario Diaz, Ellington Airport General Manager Arturo Machuca and FAA Deputy Regional Administrator Rob Lowe.

“When you’re bringing in and trying to recruit new companies to the area, they need to know you have partners like that at the table to meet their needs,” Hellyer said. Meanwhile, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell could hardly conceal his excitement as he spoke to the group. “We are currently working with six companies which are looking to expand operations at the Houston Spaceport,” he said. “The Houston Spaceport’s certification is already acting as a catalyst to spur new interest and development at Ellington Airport.

“Over the last several years, more than $200 million worth of new projects have been completed, or announced, at Ellington Airport, including the Lone Star Flight Museum, the new Army Innovation Command … and its battle command center. New public hangars are under construction … and the new 117,000 square foot U.S. Coast Guard regional campus, a $57 million investment, has been completed and further expanded. Today marks a great day for Houston, for Ellington Airport and for the Houston Spaceport!

SPACE CENTER ROTARY OFFICERS INDUCTED Space Center Rotary’s officers for the coming year were inducted during a recent ceremony at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake by Rotary District Governor-elect Gary Gillen, far left. They are, from left, Past President Nancy Anderson, President Michael Porterfield, President-elect Raymond Moore and Secretary Delia Stephens. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

Arunyons recognized Bruce and Jenny Arunyon, center, were recognized “for their tremendous contribution to the City of Seabrook through their donations and work on the Bay Area Veterans’ Memorial,” as Mayor Pro-tem Natalie Picha read and presented a proclamation honoring them for their work at the July 3 City Council meeting. Pictured with them are, from left, Councilors Jeff Larson, Buddy Hammann, Mayor Pro-tem Natalie Picha, Councilors Joe Machol, Laura Davis and Ed Klein.

ADOPT TINY BUBBLES! Looking for a happy cat that will entertain herself and play with toys? Your search is over! Bubbles is an extraordinary Tabby Calico mix whose attention is easily caught by any cat toy. Feather wands, balls, crinkle toys, catnip - you name it, she plays with it! Bubbles (Bubs for short) is a lively, frisky, comical and playful gal that is - in a word - sensational. In addition to her playful personality, she sports a gorgeous coat with unique markings that are simply out of this world! Come meet this treasure! Check out all of the deserving dogs and cats available for adoption at www.bayareapetadoptions. org or visit the facility at 3000 Avenue R, San Leon. The shelter is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesday. Some adoptable cats can be seen daily at PetSmart (1921 Gulf FWY South in Dickinson). Dogs are shown at the Dickinson PetSmart on Saturdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays noon - 4 p.m. Bay Area Pet Adoptions (Phone: 281-339-2086) is Galveston County’s only non-profit, No-Kill shelter, pet rescue and adoption organization.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[HEALTHCARE]

Houston Methodist Clear Lake joins centennial celebration

By Mary Alys Cherry

ouston Methodist

is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, so its CEO, Dr. Marc Boom, brought the celebration down to its Clear Lake hospital June 25 so its employees could join the party. Houston Methodist Clear Lake CEO Dan Newman welcomed the crowd with the news that they expect to break ground for the hospital’s new $40 million medical office building later this year. It will provide space for the hospital to add 30 to 40 new physicians to its staff of some 650 physicians and 850 employees, he explained. He also introduced the crowd to Houston Methodist’s mobile Centennial Wall depicting a history of the hospital system and those who made it the success it is today. It will be on display in the lobby of the main entrance for a month before moving on to another Houston Methodist hospital. Dr. Boom then took the crowd back in history to 1900 when a certain Dr. Oscar Norsworthy moved to Houston and established his medical practice, which on Christman Eve 1905 included the delivery of a baby who

became known as Howard Hughes. Yes, the Howard Hughes. HOSPITAL BORN A couple of years later, Dr. Norsworthy built an extension onto

his home that contained 33 beds, so he could better care for his patients. “If I’m going to take care of my patients, I need space to do that,” Dr. Norsworthy said. Then in 1909, Dr. Norsworthy,

Memorial Hermann System taps UTMB’s Dr. David Callender as CEO By Mary Alys Cherry

r. David L. Callender,

long-time CEO of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, will become president and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Health System Sept. 1. He will replace Charles “Chuck” Stokes, who announced his plans to retire in February. Stokes was the system’s chief operating officer for almost a decade before becoming CEO in June 2017 and seemed pleased over the selection of Callender as his successor. “I’ve long admired David’s leadership style and his accomplishments,” he said. “As Memorial Hermann continues its focus on expanding care access and transforming our operational

structure to address the new demands of health care, Dr. Callender has an ideal combination of experience and expertise to position us for future success,” he added. BAYLOR GRADUATE Dr. Callender, a head and neck surgeon with expertise in head and neck cancers, has been president of UTMB since 2007. A native of Wichita Falls, Tx., he received his medical degree from and completed his residency training at Baylor College of Medicine, going on to complete an oncology fellowship with the MD Anderson Cancer Center and earning an MBA at the University of Houston. Before assuming the presidency of UTMB Health, Dr. Callender was associate vice chancellor and CEO of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

Dr. David Callender

the UCLA Hospital System from 2004 to 2007. He had previously served in several leadership roles at MD Anderson, serving as executive vice president and COO from the years of 2001 to 2004.

wanting to explore the field of radium, sold his little hospital to the Methodist Church for about $35,000 on Dec. 31, 1909 on the condition that they modernize it. They did, Dr. Boom said, and “today Houston Methodist is worth $5 billion.” In 1924, Dr. Boom continued his happy story, “the Methodists opened a 100-bed hospital and Methodist ministers served as CEOs.” DeBAKEY JOINS STAFF Medical giant and a pioneer in heart surgery Dr. Michael DeBakey joined the staff in 1948, and over the next 60 years helped put Houston Methodist “on the map” and be continually rated among America’s Best Hospitals. DeBakey called Houston Methodist “a hospital with a soul,” Dr. Boom said. Today, despite “almost going belly up during the depression,” and suffering greatly from Hurricane Allison’s 2001 flooding and the flu epidemic of 1918 when 50 million people around the world lost their lives, Houston Methodist has eight hospitals, 2,000 beds, 24,000 employees and thousands of affiliated physicians and is looking forward to an even brighter future, Dr. Boom said as he concluded his remarks and went about shaking hands. Afterwards, employees and members of the hospital’s Women’s Advisory Board lined up for punch and hors d’oeuvres as they shared historical stories with one another.

LED IKE RECOVERY He led UTMB’s recovery from Hurricane Ike, which caused more than $1 billion in damage to the university’s Galveston campus in 2008 -- an unprecedented reconstruction and revitalization effort that has resulted in resilient facilities and infrastructure to support the university’s mission well into the future. Dr. Callender and his wife, Tonya, reside in Galveston. They have three children. Stokes’ retirement brings an end to a 40-year career that began as a registered nurse. Before joining Memorial Hermann in 2008, he was president of North Mississippi Medical Center and served as chief operating officer of several other health systems. He plans to stay on at Memorial Hermann until the end of the year to assist in Callender’s transition.

[EDUCATION]

Clear Creek ISD teachers and staff get generous pay hike

he Clear Creek School District has announced a significant compensation package for its nearly 5,000 employees -- a package that includes a 4% to 9.49% pay raise for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses, new competitive hourly rate for school bus drivers, an increase in the district’s contribution to employee health care premiums and an across the board 3.5% increase for all other employees. “The success of our school district is contingent on recruiting and retaining a high quality staff,” said Dr. Greg Smith, superintendent of schools. “This board-approved compensation package reflects our commitment to our employees and ensures Clear Creek ISD is a destination for those who have a heart for children.” On Monday, July 22, the Clear Creek School Board unanimously approved $11.3 million in direct salary increases for existing employees as well as $370,000 to offset the rising cost of healthcare premiums for those employees on TRSActive Care. As part of the overall compensation package, the district will also increase the starting

Win Weber to fill CCISD board seat

in Weber, a longtime Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustee and friend of former Trustee Chris Reed, will fulfill his District 2 term following his unexpected passing in June 2019.

salary for teachers from $53,600 to $55,750. Under House Bill 3, the Texas Legislature approved new funding for public education. Clear Creek ISD is projected to receive $14.7 million in additional school funding. The school district is investing more than $14.2 million of that increase in employees through pay raises, health care contributions, starting salaries, and new staff for a growing school district. “The board is pleased to far surpass the legal requirements under House Bill 3. The school board values each employee, from our bus drivers to our teachers. We know what they do every day positively impacts children’s lives,” said Board President Dr. Laura DuPont.

The school board voted July 22 to appoint her to serve the rest of Reed’s term. Chris Reed was elected to District 2 in May 2017 following Weber’s retirement from the board. “By appointing Win to the District 2 board seat, we are honoring the legacy and service of Chris Reed through someone who represents Chris’ values, integrity, servant leadership, and focus on children. Win also has a solid record of exemplary service to the CCISD community,” said Dr. Laura DuPont, board president. Win Weber is a criminal defense lawyer in the Clear Lake area, a mother of two Clear Creek ISD graduates, and a longtime resident of Nassau Bay. Weber joined the CCISD School Board in 2008 and became the vice president in 2013 and then president in 2014. Win Weber returned to private life in 2017 and supported Chris Reed in his election. The school board’s appointment of Weber is effective immediately in accordance with state law. Weber will serve in this seat through May 2020, when the District 2 seat is up for election. AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Bill Holbert, Senior VP & Interim Bank Office President

We Practice What We Pledge

llegiance Bank is extremely proud

to serve Houston and the surrounding counties as the region’s largest community bank. Perhaps the most important thing to understand is that all deposit dollars are invested directly into the local economy since Allegiance is exclusively focused on Houston and the surrounding area. Their niche is meeting the needs of local business owners, community organizations and residents. Allegiance Bank was founded in Houston in 2007 and currently operates 27 banking offices in and around Houston, Clear Lake, Anahuac, Dayton, Liberty and Beaumont. The Allegiance culture depends on greater autonomy and open, honest communication. They operate with a decentralized model, which means decisions are made in the local banking offices. Allegiance customers benefit directly from working with experienced bankers who are given autonomy to make decisions in-office, which allows them to

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

have open and honest communication with their customers. As a community bank, Allegiance chooses to get to know its customers on a personal level and pledges to give customers access to the decision makers today or sooner. Allegiance Bankers say, “It’s not what we do, but what we do together that makes the difference.” Giving community bankers such a high level of autonomy requires a team of skilled, veteran bankers and the Clear Lake office team is led by Bill Holbert, Senior Vice President & Interim Bank Office President. James Waguespack, Barry McMahan, Leslee Farley, Libby McGee, Jay Farley,

Photography by MoonBridge Media

Molly Lopez, Allegiance Bank Credit Analyst

Jimmy Butcher and Clyde Hart have many years of experience and are passionate about serving the Bay Area. The Clear Lake office conveniently located at the corner of St. John Drive and NASA Parkway offers a “concierge” feel and extraordinary service. Allegiance Bank operates differently from traditional banks. Everyone who comes in gets personal attention from bankers who have a heart for service. There is no traditional drive-through

Jimmy Butcher, Bank Officer/Lender

“When someone calls the bank during business hours, they will speak to a person, not an automated phone system.” banking, but customers can use the drive through ATM to make deposits, transfers and withdrawals 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The bank’s commitment to personal service also means that when someone calls the bank during business hours, they will speak to a person, not an automated phone system. Visit Allegiance Bank and experience “The Allegiance Way.” AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Grazia

Sokols Greek

Sawa

Pappa’s Delta Blues El Tiempo

Masa Sushi

Boondoggles

r l e a

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

l a k e

South Shore Grille Red River Cantina

MichiRu Floyd’s

Mario’s

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance

Ocean Sushi

Nobi Las Haciendas Preamble

Cabo

Jackie’s Brickhouse

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

Villa Capri

888 Chinese

Angelo’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

T-Bone Tom’s

Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

AMERICAN ASIAN BBQ CAJUN ITALIAN MEDITERR. MEXICAN PUB/FUSION SEAFOOD STEAK

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Main St Bistro 615 E Main St, League City, TX (281) 332-8800 3. Red Oak Cafe 6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 4. Stomp’s Burger Joint 3107 TX-146, Bacliff, TX (281) 339-0785 stompsburgerjoint.com 5. South Shore Grille 2800 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 334-7700 soshoregrille.com 6. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 7. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 8. Hubcap Grill 1918 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 339-7116 hubcapgrill.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

Red Oak Cafe

Tight Ends

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

2. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com

3. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 1615 FM 646, League City, TX (281) 524-8626 littledaddysgumbobar.com

2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah,mTXo (281) 538-8877

3. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com

4. Marais 2015 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986

3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com

4. Boondoggles Pub 4106 E NASA Pkwy, El Lago, TX (281) 326-2739 boondogglespub.com

4. Sokols Greek Deli & Cafe 2410 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX (281) 286-2989 sokolsgreekcafe.com

5. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy f, El Lago, TX (281) 326-5282 chelseawinebartexas.com

4. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 5. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com BARBEQUE 1. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-2500 dickinsonbbq.com 2. Pappas Delta Blues 19901 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-0024 www.pappasdeltablues.com 3. Red River BBQ 1911 E Main St Suite B, League City, TX (281) 332-8086 CAJUN 1. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com 2. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood 20760 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-7474 floydswebster.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

I TA L I A N 1. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com 2. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 3. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 4. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373 5. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207 6. Mario’s Pizza & Pasta 2100 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX 77586 mariosseabrook.com (281) 474-5103 MEDITERRANEAN 1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com

MEXICAN 1. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1580 eltiempocantina.com 2. Habanero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 habanerostacos.com 3. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com 4. Red River Cantina 1911 E Main St Suite A, League City, TX 77573 281-557-8156 redrivercantina.com PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com 2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston.com

s e s

l a k e

6. Tight Ends Sports Bar 2502 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX (832) 769-4330 tightendssportsbar.net 7. Preamble Lounge & Craft House 20801 Gulf Fwy #12, Webster, TX (832) 905-2927 preamblelounge.com SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 3. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX (281) 339-1232 4. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Grand Opening Night At Cut Foil Benefits Longhorn Project By Alisa Star

ut Foil wine and Piano Bar held several great and exciting events this past month. On Saturday July 6, a benefit for the Longhorn project was held and featured music by Jason Allcorn, who rocked the house with country music. The Longhorn Project is committed to agricultural education. It is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on educational project. The Longhorn Project is a well known center of agriculture, science and engineering. It is located at NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Johnson Space Center on a 53 acre tract of land for grazing, complete with an 11 acre feeding lot and 7 acre garden area. The area consists of garden plots, a greenhouse, orchards, compost containers, aquaculture ponds and paver patio with a beautiful waterfall. The Western Heritage Pavilion was built and donated by the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo. Under the direction of project manager, Henry Wilson, a select team of FFA students learn and care for the trophy steer herd, raising and exhibiting 25 longhorns at numerous shows across the state of Texas. The project is challenging and is a major responsibility for all the students involved. They are all proud to be a part of this unique opportunity. Cut Foil hosted a silent and live auction to help raise money for the Longhorn Project. Chairperson Andrea Wilson kicked off the event. There was a lot of excitement and bidding wars. Rick Clapp conducted the live auction and the passing of the cowboy hat to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. Over $3,000 dollars was raised for the Longhorn Project. There was fun and exciting bidding on all the auction items. Some of the items included a BBQ dinner for eight, a photo of the longhorns, and a case of wine donated by Derek and Robin Holk. A tour of rocket park and lunch with retired Johnson Space Center Director George Abby was a hotly bidded item. A horse painting, a nice dinner gift card package and bottle of wine with glasses for two was donated by Bay Area Houston Magazine. Some of the auction winners included Tom Herman, Alisa Star and Rick Clapp to name a few. A special thanks goes to Derek and Robin Holk, and a great time was enjoyed by all. Cut Foil is located at 20801 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

next to the Fitness Connection. For information on live music and upcoming events, visit online at www.cutfoil.com or like them on Facebook.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

COVER PARTY

O2 BISTRO

Gene Hollier Celebrates Another Golden Year By Alisa Star Gene Hollier recently celebrated his birthday along with the lovely Emmeline Dodd and some his closest friends at Opus Bistro steakhouse. The evening was filled with cocktails and lively conversation. We had a wonderful dinner and a decadent cake. We all wish Gene Hollier another happy birthday and many more to come.

Steak Nite at O2 Bistro By Rick Clapp TUESDAYS HAVE QUICKLY BECOME my favorite night of the week. Tuesday Steak Nite at O2 Bistro, located in Clear Lake Shores, is simply incredible. Whether you get the ribeye, filet, or even the tuna steak, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong!

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Kelly Williams, left, and Angie Mertens during show, ‘Riding the Wave with Angie and Kelly’ on KHEA Radio 99.5 FM

Kelly first started learning about radio from her older brother and always had an interest in it. It is something she didn’t fully pursue until later on in life, where she hosted her own show on a digital radio station. For the past two years Kelly has been the host of her own Facebook show called, The Kelly Williams Show. It airs twice a week and regularly features special guests. Her show revolves around health,

Life is Limitless

By Blaine Ochoa

o matter where you

are in life and what you have been through, you hold the power to the direction of your life. The decision is yours whether to pursue your goals and dreams. You must let go of doubt, fear, and the limiting idea that you cannot achieve the impossible, regardless of your circumstance.

I want to introduce to you, Kelly Williams. Kelly is the epitome of the word limitless. Kelly is a professional singer, pageant director, radio show personality, an incredible mother and wife. Kelly is from Lake Charles, La. but for the past 34 years has called Texas home. She attended the University of Houston, where she was a Cougar Doll, and now lives in Kemah with her husband Paul and their two children, Halie and Paul. “There is no age limit,” Kelly says. Throughout her life, Kelly has been an example of always pursuing her goals. From competing in beauty pageants at the age of 39, pursuing a career as a professional singer, to owning the Miss Kemah Pageant, and having her own radio talk show, she has shattered society’s view of normality and limiting ideas. Your life is in your hands. “Work hard, take every day as a blessing, and focus on the present.” Do not be afraid of being imperfect. Do not be afraid of failure. “We learn the most about ourselves when we fail.” Throughout life, the lessons we learn and things we go through shape us and help us reach our destiny.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

Kelly Williams and Blaine Ochoa

music, beauty, fitness, fashion, events, and just fun people. Her tag line, “Tune in and Turn on your Happy” is more than perfect, due to the good energy and attitude she brings, and the positive banter between her and her guests can be felt through the radio and her live Facebook broadcasts. “Meeting incredible people from all walks of life, hearing their story and sharing it with others” is Kelly’s favorite part about her job. Apart from the Kelly Williams Show, she recently started a new venture hosting, ‘Riding The Wave With Ange and Kelly’ with Co-Host, Ange Mertens for KHEA Radio 99.5 FM. The hot new, informative and fun show airs on Mondays from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Kelly’s pursuit of her singing career also came at different times in her life. She grew up singing with her family and performing at a young age all over Louisiana and Texas. Music become a hobby and great passion of hers. She later decided to take a break from singing and performing

to go to Art School at the Art Institute of Houston and raise a family. Years later, inspired by her husband and her son, who encouraged her to start singing and performing again, she focused her attention back on music and her love for entertaining. I wanted to show my kids that, “no matter what age you are, you can pursue your dreams and goals.” Kelly now sings and performs all over the Bay Area and Houston, and was voted “Best Female Vocalist of 2018” by The Best of the Bay Awards. Needless to say, she is a firm believer that “if God has put a desire in your heart, go for it.” “Surround yourself with people who will help push you to reach the top, instead of those that want to keep you at the bottom.” It can be frightening to take a risk, to step out and embrace the uncertainty. However, that’s the only way change can happen. If you’re wanting something different, you have to do something different. Sometimes you have to let go of old things, open your heart and mind, release control, and have faith to make space for something better. You cannot afford to limit yourself, especially to your comfort zone. “I am very grateful for the unwavering support of my family and friends and for all the people who have believed in me and given me the opportunity to perform.” Kelly stands on the scripture verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” - doesn’t matter what age you are. If you would like to contact Kelly or book her to sing and perform please call 713-714-2161 or visit her Facebook page, Kelly WilliamsSinger. If you would have inquiries about being a sponsor or appearing on The Kelly Williams Show, please visit The Kelly Williams Show on Facebook, or visit the KHEA Radio Facebook page for more information about the newest show ‘Riding The Wave with Ange and Kelly.”

ADVERTISE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS 281.474.5875 â&#x20AC;¢ art@baygroupmedia.com AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

50+ And Feeling Fabulous from a type of skin cancer and the majority of these cancers are caused by overexposure to UV light! Sunlight affects our health in a lot of other ways, both positively and negatively. We just need to balance it out and use common sense to protect ourselves. So make smart choices. One key choice is to use a good sun block or sunscreen. Sunscreens are formulated to protect against UVA rays, while sunblocks are formulated to help against UVB rays. So use what will best help protect you. If you start this with your daily regimen, it will soon become a habit, and in time you will see an improvement in your skin. Ladies, you can apply sunscreen to your face before applying your makeup, just a helpful hint.

me through life. So ladies make sure before you turn off those lights at night, to give your face a good wash. The tissue on your face is the most tender, especially around the eye area. That’s where we get the most unwanted lines. Always remember to wipe inward toward your eye, not outward. This will help with fine lines. A good quality moisturizer is also key to healthy looking skin. Using a good moisturizer can help maintain its balance when skin is too dry or too oily. Freshly moisturized skin has a healthy sheen to it, which can also even out blemishes. Moisturizing also helps fight wrinkles, that plump firm feeling in your face isn’t an illusion. People with properly moisturized skin accumulate wrinkles at just a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin.

By Alisa Star

et’s face it: Father Time

doesn’t care if your a man or a woman, we all age. Remember when you were in your 20s and your 30s, so full of life,and spiritual force for life. Your drive was one hundred percent, you felt as if you could conquer the world. But the older you got, the less “umph” you had. Sometimes a little mindset forgiveness is involved also. But life goes on. A few key ingredients and some life changes in your daily living could make you happier and healthier in the way you look, feel and produce in your life. Lifestyle factors that can speed up the pace of aging skin include smoking, use of tanning beds, and sun exposure. The sun can begin leaving its mark during the first years of life. Freckles are evidence of sun damage. The amount of sun you had as a child determines your skin’s appearance today.

HARMFUL RAYS

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer and premature aging. One American dies every hour

KICK IT IN THE ASH

When someone mentions the toll of smoking, usually the first thing they think of is lung cancer. Yes, you can get cancer by smoking, I think everyone one knows that risk when they first started this little habit. However, it is the number one reason for your skin to age faster, and causing more wrinkles in your face and hands. Some of the toxins in cigarette smoke damages collagen and elasticity, which are the fibrous components of skin that keep it supple and firm. So go ahead and give up that habit! There are a lot of ways for people to get help these days, medications and patches have had positive results. After all, looking Fab over 50, is healthy, radiant looking skin.

MAKEUP AND MORE

My mother always told me as a young girl, if you don’t want to age before your time, then wash off your makeup. That has always stuck with

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

But if you change your lifestyle, and change a few key ingredients in your daily living, you can build up your metabolism naturally without all the medications. Stay as active as you can, go for an evening walk every night, take a fun zumba class, go for a swim every morning before the hectic day of work begins, take walks with your family pet. The key is to just keep moving! Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key ingredient to staying healthy, living a longer life, and looking more vibrant. Powerhouse foods like beans and leafy greens supply much needed vitamins and minerals and help the body stay metabolically fit, making them a terrific everyday staple for the 50+crowd. Berries are a brain booster, they’re rich in phytochemicals that may help slow age-related memory decline by increasing blood flow to the brain. Greek yogurt can provide a generous dose of high quality protein, eating adequate protein throughout the day can help to preserve muscle and slow the gradual decline in lean body mass that occurs as we age. Bottom line is fresh good organic foods are good for the body, mind and soul. So go ahead and eat your peas, turns out they’re good for you!

EAT BETTER

Eating a better diet is a key ingredient to feeling healthier, more energized, and looking younger. We all know those people who seem to stay eternally youthful, even as the years or even decades go by. It’s as though they’re virtually lit from within, with their infectious energy making it seem they have discovered the fountain of youth. That’s probably due to what they’re putting into their body. Certain foods are miracle workers for energizing the body as well as helping with clearer thinking. If you are feeling tired and need a quick boost of energy peanut butter is a good go-to, or eating a couple boiled eggs, eggs are rich in vitamin B, which is crucial when it comes to converting food into energy. As we get older it’s not just our wardrobe and our taste in music that changes. Our metabolism changes also. I have found out with age the metabolism in the body slows down. For me personally it’s like what came first the chicken or the egg? If you live a passive lifestyle then your metabolism will naturally slow down.

TRUE SELF

Age is nothing but a number, the only thing stopping you from going out in the world and doing whatever you want to do, well...is you. So no matter what your number is, it’s all based on how you feel inside, so let your light shine through. 50+ is an age where a person is able to become their true self, honor who they are and express all the beauty and vitality they embody. We all need encouragement and inspiration for a positive mindset, so that we can create new habits and positive beliefs about ourselves for a more compelling future and a zest for life. Remember all ones beauty starts from within so focus on self-esteem, selflove and just living and loving life. Here’s To Living The Best You!

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Love Languages By Lilli Heintz

e all want

GEN Z: Welcome to the Future

By Blaine Ochoa Throughout history, American society has benefited from the different generations of people and the characteristics they bring to the table. Millennials used to be the youngest and newest generation, with people born between 1981 to 1996. Society is now welcoming Generation Z. This generation consists of young men and women who were born in 1997 to mid 2000s or present time. It’s interesting to compare and see the differences between the two generations, and the advances Generation Z presents. Generation Z has become extremely technologically knowledgeable and advanced. This generation has grown up with digital devices, mobile technology, and widespread access to the internet. Generation Z has “used the internet since a young age and are comfortable with technology and social media.” These young adults are independent, competitive, and have an entrepreneurial mindset, more so than Millennials. “They also

feel a pressure to play up, play down, or challenge what is expected of them, both in their personal and public lives.” “They are the most diverse generation to date” and identify with multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds. (Wikipedia) Generation Z is breaking the ideas of normality, especially in regards to education and the workforce. Due to their entrepreneurial desire, most of them have started their own business or are planning to do so. They would prefer to be their own boss, rather then work for someone else. They are hardworking, and like power and flexibility in the workforce. Higher numbers of Generation Z than Millennials are not going to college and rather working fresh out of high school, avoiding debt, and starting businesses. “While Millennials are often seen as more idealistic, and more motivated by purpose than a paycheck, Generation Z may lean more toward security and money.” (Forbes) Generation Z has valuable characteristics such as, “their acceptance of new ideas and a different conception of freedom from the previous generations.” (Forbes) Is Generation Z a more knowledgeable and advanced group of people? What does this mean for the future and society? How will Generation Z effect politics, technology, education, and culture? Their contributions, through characteristics and knowledge, will indefinitely make an impact on American culture and society.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

people to feel satisfied in a relationship whether it’s a friendship, marriage, or dating. We have this need that has to be filled whether it is through action, words, touch, gifts, and even time. Some people don’t know what it is that needs to be filled. In the environment I work in, the models around me are into zodiac signs and how we act the way we act because of the time

“Knowing others’ love language helps build a better foundation for your relationship to grow and be better from the start.” and place we were born and how the planets aligned. Even though I do find that satisfying and believe it to some extent, I feel like learning how to satisfy someone’s needs and wants so that they feel comfortable around you, interests me more. I remember my Dad, Pastor Brad of Living Word Church, did a series about love languages. The whole church read the book so that we could apply it to our lives. If you don’t know your love language I definitely suggest reading the book called “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. There are also tests online that you can take to get a more accurate description of your own love language. When I took the test, it told me that physical touch was number one and quality time was a very close second. That means what fulfills me and makes me happy is hugging you, holding hands, kissing, cuddling, putting my feet on you while sitting down. I show and want that type of love and affection. Then quality time comes into play. Where I just want to spend time with you, be at the same party, in the same room, just you and me or even a huge group of people. I just love physically being with them and or around them. The other love languages are words of affirmation, which is where you need to be encouraged, supported, built up, to feel comfortable or wanted. The love language of gifts shows thoughtfulness and the action

behind the gift is important. And finally, acts of service are when you do something for someone to make them happy or fulfill a need. It can include making a meal, cleaning; any act of service that would make the other person happy makes you happy. Knowing your own love language is important but also knowing your friends or significant other’s love language is just as important. Some people might not have the same love languages as you. When I make new friends and I want to keep them around, I try to find out their love language. Sometimes I even have them take the test to make sure I am right. I want to satisfy their needs or want and know how to act in serious or fun situations. I don’t want to smother them or say the wrong thing because I don’t know what they are wanting. They might want a gift or an action. This also shows how Acts of Service is my third love language. Knowing others’ love language helps build a better foundation for your relationship to grow and be better from the start. I am always trying to make sure the people around me are being taken care of the best way possible. I love knowing how I need to make a person happy or comfortable, it just makes me happy. Knowing this information can really better you as a person and better the relationships surrounding you.

Bay Area Body Shop owner Mike Duncan with Bay Group Media CEO Rick Clapp

Bay Area Body Shop: A Cut Above the Rest By Rick Clapp

here are automotive

body shops and there are genuine state-of-the-art body repair shops like Bay Area Body Shop. This top notch shop is owned and operated by the Duncan family. The owner Mike Duncan is well known in the local body and repair business for reliable work. Bay Area Body Shop was created and started in 1968 with two major goals in mind; quality work to the manufacturers specifications/ standards and complete customer satisfaction. That has proven to be

Drunk driver will now spend next two decades in prison

By Mary Alys Cherry

pretty young Bacliff

woman will be spending the next two decades in a hot Texas prison after making one of the worse decisions of her life – to drive drunk. Veronica Rivas, 21, whose blood/ alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit when she got behind the wheel of her car and plowed into another vehicle at a high rate of speed, pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter in the Feb. 28, 2018 crash that killed Shayla Joseph,

successful over the years. The Duncan’s shop is well known for their knowledge, abilities, state-of-the-art modern equipment, creativity, craftsmanship and professional work. Their body work meets the manufacturers standards, not insurance company standards. “Most people do not know but in the state of Texas, the car or truck owner can choose and decide who they want to repair their vehicles, not the insurance companies.” owner Mike Duncan said. The major difference at Bay Area Body Shop is they place the emphasis on today’s up to date information

36, and her infant son, 3-monthsold Braylan, on the Gulf Freeway feeder road near the El Dorado exit. Joseph worked for UTMB and was on maternity leave at the time of the accident. On July 12, State District Judge George Powell sentenced her to 18 years in prison. She is also facing a $40 million lawsuit, filed by Shayla Joseph’s husband, Bryan Joseph, who is also suing Crescent City Bar in Clear Lake, where Rivas and a friend with her, both under age, were served alcoholic beverages. Rivas is not alone in facing charges. Devin Jackson, 24, son of the Crescent City Bar owner, and John C. Medina, 23, were both charged with purchasing and providing alcohol to a minor. Amy L. Allen, a bartender, was charged with acting with criminal negligence by allowing Rivas and her passenger, 17, to drink alcohol at the bar and not checking their IDs – a charge that can result in up to a year in jail. ADMIT GUILT The district attorney’s office also prosecuted the bartender and two

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

of what the vehicle manufacturers requires for correct and proper body work for cars and trucks. The repair specifications and materials constantly change. For example more vehicles have gone from heavier metal parts to aluminum, which requires more knowledge and a different skill set in preforming the work. It is imperative that vehicles must be repaired properly or the body shop can be held liable for incorrect work that could potentially jeopardize the driver and or occupants of the car or truck. Mike Duncan and members of his staff are constantly educated, trained and receive various certificates from vehicle manufacturers. They effectively combine experience, education, knowledge and their body repair skills, as well as state-of-the-art equipment to repair their customer’s vehicles. In order to have a world-class body shop, Bay Area Body Shop has invested heavily in the industry’s newest tech such as computerized measuring equipment which measures structural damage, a compression spot welder and a specialized MIG welder, which is set up for aluminum made cars. They also boast about their frame machine which corrects frame damage. Bay Area Body Shop combines the best in art, science and legal when properly repairing your vehicle.

“New engineering and technology improves time and energy, however, it’s the old tried and true ways of hard work and attention to detail that gets the job done.” said Duncan. Bay Area Body Shop of Seabrook’s future looks bright. “We are very excited about the new expansion of Hwy. 146 and what our city officials are planning for our business and other new businesses coming to our city. We are presently in the improvement and expansion mode to better serve our customers wants and needs,“ stated Duncan. Bay Area Body Shop is truly a family affair with Mike Duncan at the Helm. His dynamic wife Glenda handles the front of the house and runs the office, and his bright energetic daughter Danielle conducts the estimates. She is highly respected for her up to date knowledge of vehicle repair and her cost effective estimates. In the past body repair shops were all male dominated but Danielle broke that old mold, and now both men and women customers are equally confident to work with her. The Bay Area Body Shop provides reliable work in a punctual manner. They are conveniently located at 3110 Bayport Blvd., Seabrook Texas. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 281-474-4711 or online at bayareabodyshop.com

men who bought Rivas her drinks that night. All three reportedly agreed to plea agreements and admitted their guilt. “Veronica Rivas should spend every day of the next 18 years thinking about the innocent family she destroyed,” District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “She robbed a husband of a wife and a father of a son all because she never stopped to think about the risk she was taking by drinking twice the legal limit and getting behind the wheel.”

Police said Deleon had numerous shots of tequila at a nearby bar and charged him with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.

ANOTHER DEATH A former University of HoustonClear Lake official, Dr. Billy Satterfield, on his way home from the airport, was killed and his Lyft driver gravely injured in still another drunk driving crash almost a year to the date of the Rivas crash. This accident happened, authorities said, about 1 a.m., March 1, 2019, in the 14800 block of Highway 3, near the Pineloch intersection, when Eric Deleon, 21, driving a Dodge truck, clipped the back end of a Mazda pickup before slamming into the Lyft car.

DRIVER LEFT IN COMA Satterfield was texting his wife moments before he was killed, officers said, adding that he was only about five miles from home. The Lyft driver, Ezatullah Safi, was left in a coma. An Afghan refugee, he has a wife and two children. Friends said they came to the U.S. for a better life. The driver of the second pickup, Jesse Mecardo, 32, had also been drinking, officers said, charging him with driving under the influence. Satterfield was employed at UHCL from 2007-2018 as executive director of student financial aid/registrar. “Dr. Satterfield helped shape and strengthen the services provided by the UHCL Financial Aid Office and the Registrar’s Office during the university’s transition to a four-year university,” UHCL communications official Karen Barbier said. “UHCL offers condolences to Dr. Satterfield’s family, friends and all who knew and loved him.”

The Longhorn Project Celebrates 23 Years of Success Local Students and Community Benefit from Longstanding Youth Program

he Longho r n Project

Board of Directors hosted its annual End of Year Celebration on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the Western Heritage Pavilion, located at NASA Johnson Space Center to commemorate the 2018-2019 show season and school year. Ringman’s Shelia won first in class and returned home with her bull Attended by almost 100 calf to Brazos Rose Ranch. From left to right: Brandon Couvillon, supporters, the celebratory breeder Ronnie Mullinax, Emma Lucas and Libby Butterfield. luncheon treated guests to personalized presentations by show team members, Libby Butterfield, Emma Lucas, Brandon Couvillon and Quinten Cherry, Board Chairman Andrea Wilson and Board Vice Chairman Greg Schroder, honoring the LHP sponsors, breeders, teachers and volunteers who contributed to the program’s 23 years of success. Project Manager Henry Wilson was recognized for his exceptional commitment to producing a winning show team of herd of longhorns, Rudy’s Country LHP Board Chairman Andrea Wilson, from left, Former NASA Store & Barb-B-Que Webster was JSC Director & founder of the LHP George W. S. Abbey, Advisory recognized providing the delicious Board Member & Breeder Dorie Damuth, and LHP Vice Chairman and Lifetime Vice President Greg Schroder. meal and its generous support over the past year, and President and Chairman of Bay Group Villarreal and Justin Gamble presented the Media Rick Clapp was recognized for donating appreciation awards to the show teams. Chloe his public relations services to help promote Reid, a 2019 Clear Horizon Early College the mission of the program. High School graduate, was honored for her Rick Fritsche, manager and registrar of three years of dedication and leadership in the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association coordinating service projects for high school of America (TLBAA), impressed the crowd students who volunteered in the Garden, with presenting the statistics that over 7,000 Agriculture, Sustainability and Arts (GASA) longhorns from 11 countries are registered program along with Susan Parker, LHP’s Lead with the TLBAA and the longest horns on a Science Teacher and Field Trip Coordinator. Texas Registered Longhorn Steer were recently “The Longhorn Project is best known for measured at 129.4”. its Show Team and participation on the Texas Board members George W. S. Abbey, Greg Longhorn Breeders Association of America Schroder, Dr. Glenn Freedman, Galveston (TLBAA) show circuit in Texas and Louisiana,” County Commissioner Ken Clark, Rolando said Board Chairman, Andrea Wilson. “And

LHP Show Team presented Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Que Webster with a plaque in appreciation for sponsoring the luncheon and support over the past year. From left, Libby Butterfield, Brandon Couvillon, Korey Goodwin, Chris Hulsey, Lauren White, Emma Lucas, and Quinten Cherry.

in addition to the Show Team, the Longhorn Project offers a 3.5-hour agriculture and STEM-based educational curriculum for 3rd – 12th grade students, that was championed by former Clear Creek ISD superintendent Dr. Sandra Mossman, that focuses on the interaction of agriculture, livestock and space exploration,” she added. In the 2018-19 academic year, over 5,000 students from the Clear Creek, Galveston, Dickinson, Santa Fe, Pearland and Houston school districts and several private schools attend the educational program. Founded in 1996 by George W. S. Abbey, former director of the Johnson Space Center, The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate, visit the website, thelonghornproject.com.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, right, and City Councilman Jack Christy were among the many celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s successful moon landing at Space Center Houston July 20.

Thousands celebrate the Lunar Landing Anniversary By Mary Alys Cherry

mericans by the thousands celebrated the 50th anniversary man’s greatest achievement -- the July 20, 1969 walk on the moon – including Clear Lake, home for the Apollo 11 crew and their families and where plans for the long-ago adventure were finalized. Probably the biggest in the Houston area was at Space Center Houston, the visitor’s center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where some 13,000 braved the summer heat to salute the three who risked their lives to land on the moon, along with the hundreds and hundreds of NASA employees who spent thousands and thousands of hours working to make it all happen. Besides viewing dozens of attractions, the crowd gathered outside for an evening concert and countdown to the 50th anniversary of the magical moment when Neil Armstrong’s foot touched the lunar surface and he uttered those historic words, “Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed.” “What an amazing day,” Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer said as he welcomed the crowd. Other dignitaries taking the stage with him included Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston area Congresswomen Lizzie Fletcher and Sheila Jackson Lee, who marveled at the success of Apollo 11. Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Brian Babin also sent a video praising NASA for the Space Center Houston crowd.

JSC Director Mark Geyer, left, stops for a photo with Kippy Caraway and Jeff Syptak as they make their way through the maze of people at Space Center Houston’s Apollo 11 celebration.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein and former Flight Controller Gene Kranz debate how they will cut the ceremonial ribbon to introduce the remodeled Apollo Mission Control. Others with them include JSC Director Mark Geyer and former JSC Director George Abbey, Congressman Brian Babin, State Sen. Larry Taylor, State Rep. Dennis Paul, former Apollo Flight Director Glynn Lunney and Space Center Houston Director William Harris.

Apollo Mission Control returns to original glory

he Apollo Mission Control Center has been restored to appear as it did back in that era just as Americans paused to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. “Apollo captured the world’s attention and demonstrated the power of America’s vision and technology, which has inspired generations of great achievements in space exploration, and scientific discovery,” Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer said. “Our goal 50 years ago was to prove we could land humans on the Moon and return them safely to Earth. Our goal now is to return to the Moon to stay, in a sustainable way. I’m thrilled this facility will be open for the public to view. It is my hope that it will serve as inspiration for generations to come,” he said as the $5 million project was unveiled. In this facility, NASA flight control teams planned, trained and executed Gemini, Apollo, Apollo/Soyuz, Skylab and Space Shuttle program missions until 1992. The facility was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1985, and in 2011, it was renamed the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center in honor of the man who developed the concepts still used today in human spaceflight control. “By restoring the Apollo Mission Control Center, NASA is preserving the rich history of a remarkable achievement in human spaceflight,” said Restoration Project Manager Jim Thornton. “This will not only help share our history with visitors from around the world, but also remind our current employees who are planning missions to send humans back to the Moon and then further to Mars, that anything is possible and we are standing on the shoulders of giants.” WEBSTER GAVE MOST Throughout the years, some work was done to partially restore the facility to its Apollo-era configuration, but the full restoration project did not begin until 2017, after five years of planning and fundraising. Space Center Houston, Johnson’s official visitor center operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation Inc., spearheaded an effort to raise the $5 million needed for the project, of which the nearby city of Webster, Texas, donated $3.5 million.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

“Thanks to the City of Webster and worldwide support, the treasured landmark is now restored, preserving it for future generations,” said William Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “We can gain incredible insight through the accomplishments of the Apollo era and the room will continue to inspire people and innovators to chase their dreams.” NASA cannot accept public donations for restricted purposes, so the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation played an important role in administering funds for this project. FIRST TIME “The Mission Control Center restoration project is the first time the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has used the special authority granted to it by the National Historic Preservation Act that enables it to accept private donations and transfer them to other federal agencies for preservation purposes,” said Advisory Council Chairman Milford Wayne Donaldson. “It is not surprising that NASA, an agency known for achieving the new and exceptional, is paving the way for other agencies to do what they have done – preserve an incredible piece of our nation’s and the world’s history through a unique public-private partnership.” The restoration team included representatives of the Apollo Mission Control teams that supported astronauts on their missions. Great pains were taken by these individuals to ensure the authenticity of the control room and the artifacts inside. The pieces in the restored control room, visitor’s gallery and adjacent simulation support room are either original artifacts that were cleaned and restored, such as the control consoles and displays, or the items have been recreated based on original samples. This includes paint colors, carpet, coffee mugs, clothing items, and even ashtrays. The artifacts all were placed just as they were 50 years ago. More than a million visitors from around the world visit Space Center Houston annually and now they will have a chance to view this restored historical site – stepping back in time to the first Moon landing, and looking forward to America’s next Moon landing.

Fire damages Clear Lake homes A Clear Lake home in the 800 block of Seacliff Drive was severely damaged by fire the afternoon of Thursday, June 27. Houston firefighters said everyone escaped the blaze, estimating the damage to the Camino South home at about $300,000. They said the homeowner told them the family thought a dog had knocked over a lit Tiki torch on the patio, setting off the fire. Crews from Stations 70, 71, 93, 94 and 52 responded to this incident. Another Clear Lake home was severely damaged the afternoon of July 7 when a fire apparently started in the attic of the unoccupied house in the 800 block of Pebbleshire Drive. No one was home at the time, a spokesman for the Houston Fire Department said, estimating the damages at approximately $125,000. Firefighters said heavy smoke was coming from the ridge vents and eaves of the one-story home when they arrived. The cause was ruled accidental. Stations 70, 71, 93 and 94 responded to the blaze.

Man arrested In hit-and-run A 32-year-old man has been arrested in the death of a League City teen June 24. League City Police said they were called to the 1800 block of S. Egret Bay Boulevard, in reference to a welfare concern. On arrival officers found an unresponsive white male, later identified as 19-year-old River Russell, lying near a ditch just west of the roadway. There was a north to south debris field of personal items, including a skateboard, on the roadway and shoulder, leading officers to believe the vehicle that hit Russell was traveling southbound. Russellwas transported to an area hospital incritical condition but died two days later on June 26. Investigators believe Russel was hit sometime between 2:45 a.m. and 3:50 a.m.

Police said the teen lived in a nearby apartment complex and graduated in 2018 from Atascocita High School. On June 29, Phillip Antoine was arrested in connection “with the death of pedestrian River Russell” and charged with Failing to Stop and Render Aid After/Accident Involving Death, a 2nd Degree Felony. Bond was set at $85,000.

McDonald reopens anew in Seabrook

It only took McDonald’s seven months to build and open their new Seabrook location at the corner of State Highway 146 and E. Meyer/Repsdorph Road. McDonald’s has been a part of the Seabrook community for the past 40 years and the City of Seabrook is beyond excited that they chose to stay in Seabrook after being displaced by the SH 146 Expansion Project. “We are happy we were able to stay in Seabrook,” said franchise owner Robert Flores during the ribbon cutting. “We want to keep Seabrook strong and we hope to have another good 40 years in Seabrook.” Approximately 76 Seabrook businesses have been impacted by the SH 146 Expansion Project and McDonald’s is one of several businesses that relocated within Seabrook.

New faces join city councils

In recent runoff elections, new faces joined the Pearland and Dickinson City Councils. Luke Orlando won the Position 1 seat with 52 percent of the vote in Pearland, beating out Derrell Isenberg. Orlando, who grew up in Pearland, works as a management consultant for a global professional services firm. Previously, he worked in State Rep. Ed Thompson’s office at the Texas Capitol. In Dickinson voting, Sean Slipworth got nearly 58 percent of the votes in the race against incumbent Bruce Henderson for the Position 4 seat on City Council.

Bayou Theater tickets on sale The University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Theater will present 25 performances for its 201920 season, a mix of classical, blues, bluegrass and rock concerts as well as one of Shakespeare’s most recognized plays—“The Tempest.” Single tickets are now available. “Most shows have reserved seating, so this is your opportunity to get your tickets early and get the seats you’d like,” said Director of Theater Alex Malone. “We have an exciting lineup of shows and we’re offering great discounts.” Seniors (age 55 and over) can buy a ticket for $15 for any show. UH-Clear Lake faculty, staff, alumni and retirees can purchase a ticket for $12, and any student from any college or university may purchase a ticket for $10 if they present their ID.

New Miss Texas is from Pearland

Chandler Foreman, daughter of Dexter and Courtenay Foreman of Pearland, was chosen Miss Texas 2019 at the 84th annual state pageant and will represent the Lone Star State in the Miss America Pageant. She also won a $20,000 college scholarship. She is a senior at the University of North Texas in Denton.

Seabrook OKs new sidewalk

Seabrook City Council voted unanimously at its July 3 meeting to apply for grant funding to build a sidewalk near Seabrook Intermediate to provide families better access to the school, library and parks. The proposed sidewalk will be located along the east side of North Meyer Road, beginning at the trail head north of North Meyer to East Meyer, and then proceeding south on N. Meyer to its intersection with El Mar Lane. The funding will come from the Texas Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Grant Fund.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

BAHEP’s Council of Mayors meets with regional legislators several bills that were passed during the session were also revisited. Mitchell commented, “Many times bills are passed, and it takes time to determine the overall effect of the bill. Sometimes there are unforeseen consequences of the bills that have to be tweaked.” The legislators were very open to looking at specific bills prior to the 87th session. The mayors committed to working together to prepare a common legislative agenda that will be discussed with the legislators in a follow-up meeting in October 2020. BAHEP formed the Council of Mayors in early 2018 which would meet regularly to discuss and act upon issues affecting the entire region. Members of the council, facilitated by Glenn Freedman, Ph.D., traveled to Austin in March to present their agenda during scheduled meetings with selected legislators.

he 86th Texas Legislature

may be adjourned, but Texas legislators continuously serve their constituents throughout the “off season.” Such was the case on July 8, 2019, when Sen. Larry Taylor and Reps. Greg Bonnen, M.D., Mayes Middleton, Dennis Paul, and Mary Ann Perez met with a slew of regional mayors who convened at the Bay Area Houston Partnership to discuss the recent legislative session. Representing the cities were Mayor Michel Bechtel, Morgan’s Point; Mayor Mark Denman, Nassau Bay;

Historic agreement reached on Clear Creek flood project

ongressman Pete Olson

(R-TX) commended the Army Corps of Engineers and the Harris County Flood

Mayor Mike Foreman, Friendswood; Mayor Teri Gale, Kemah; Mayor Pat Hallisey, League City; Mayor Thom Kolupski, Seabrook; Mayor Julie Masters, Dickinson; Mayor Kurt Otten, Clear Lake Shores; and Mayor Louis R. Rigby, La Porte. BAHEP President Bob Mitchell organized the meeting to give the mayors and legislators ample opportunity to prepare for the 87th Texas Legislature which convenes on Jan. 12, 2021. Much of the discussion during the meeting focused on the issue of local control; however,

Control District (HCFCD) June 12 for reaching a historic agreement that will allow HCFCD to lead construction of the Clear Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project. This agreement will transfer primary authority and funding for the Clear Creek project to HCFCD, he said, noting that authority to make this transfer from the Corps to a local sponsor like HCFCD has only been used once previously and the first time for a full project. This action will allow work on the project to begin much sooner, providing critical help for communities along Clear Creek. “The Clear Creek project was first authorized in 1968 and federal bureaucracy has delayed this critical project for over half a century,” Olson said. “I’ve fought to get this project funded and completed since my time as a senior staffer in the Senate. I was thrilled to get it included in our Harvey disaster recovery projects and now it will move quickly and help

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

Mayor of Dickinson Julie Masters and Mayor of Kemah Teri Gale.

manage flooding in a strategic part of our region. I applaud the Army Corps and Harris County Flood Control for reaching this historic agreement to help finally get this project completed.” State Rep. Dennis Paul added, “I am glad to see the Army Corps of Engineers working with our local flood officials is finally starting, and doing what they can to speed up the process to get flood mitigation on Clear Creek going. This has been the result of a lot of hard work by our federal, state and local elected officials working together to get this project started.” “Congressman Olson has been working on the Clear Creek project since he was a senior Senate staffer, long before he was elected to Congress,” Russ Poppe, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District said. “We deeply appreciate his years of dedication to seeing this project come to fruition

through the signing of this PPA, as well the entire Harris County delegation who all work tirelessly to give us more tools to address flooding in our Gulf Coast region.” Olson helped secure the $295 million for the Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction project in the 2018 Disaster Supplemental funding bill. Olson also sent the Army Corps of Engineers a letter urging quick action to complete the Clear Creek Project in February. The Clear Creek Project is a Flood Risk Management project that was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1968. The project is located in Harris and Brazoria counties, Texas, with 17 cities within the watershed. Now that the PPA is signed, HCFCD will execute construction and the remaining design. The estimated completion date is September 2025.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry Port Houston Commission Chairman Ric Campos, second from left, arrives at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership reception in his honor at the Marriott Hotel on the Gulf Freeway. Among those welcoming him were, from left, BayTran Chairman Carl Joiner and Lockwood Andrews Vice President Steve Gilbreath and Facilities Engineer Jack Drake.

BayTran welcomes new port chairman Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership members got a rare treat when they hosted a reception recently for the new chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, Ric Campo. BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez and Chairman Carl Joiner introduced him to the crowd. The event was held at the Houston Marriott South, where Campo made his way around the room during a Meet and Greet, after which he updated the crowd on Port activities. Campo, who is chairman and CEO of the Camden Property Trust, was appointed by Harris County and the Houston City Council earlier this year to replace Janiece Longoria, who was term limited.

NASA selects 142 proposals

Roger Guenther, from left, executive director of Port Houston, was among several Port officials attending the BayTran reception honoring Port Commission Chairman Ric Campos. Others with him were Spencer Chambers, director of government relations; and Bruce Mann, the port’s director of freight mobility.

Managing pilotless aircraft and solar panels that could help humans live on the Moon and Mars are among the technologies NASA is looking to develop with small business awards totaling $106 million. In all, NASA has selected 142 proposals from 129 U.S. small businesses from 28 states and the District of Columbia to receive Phase II contracts as part the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research program. NASA selected the proposals based on a range of criteria, including technical merit and feasibility, as well as the organizations’ experience, qualifications, and facilities. Additional criteria included effectiveness of proposed work plans and the commercial potential of the technologies.

results toward safe operations, community awareness, emergency response, security and pollution prevention. Applications are anonymous and judged by a group of industry peers and community members. “At Kuraray, safety is at the cornerstone of everything we do,” said Tom Abrey, Kuraray’s director of health, safety, environment & security. “We are committed to providing a safe working environment for not only our employees but contractors and visitors alike.” Kuraray America, Inc. took home 10 awards, including top honor – Best in Texas - for the Septon plant.

Three Kuraray facilities win safety awards

Area chamber is a winner

Three of Kuraray America, Inc.’s Texas facilities received top honors from the Texas Chemical Council at its annual award banquet June 6. They are: • Septon Plant, Pasadena: Best in Texas, Caring for Texas, Distinguished Safety Service, Zero Incident Rate, Zero Process Safety Incidents. • Bayport Plant, La Porte: Zero Incident Rate, Distinguished Safety Service, Zero Contractor Incident Rate. • La Porte Plant: Caring for Texas, Zero Process Safety Incidents. TCC’s awards program recognizes member companies for their demonstrated commitment and exemplary

Pasadena Chamber’s website, Chambergram, took first prize honors at the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives annual convention in El Paso June 17-20. Not far behind were its entry in the newsletter competition, which took second place in the state competition, and the chamber’s Resource Guide, which also was a second place winner. The conference provides chamber professionals an opportunity to network, attend educational sessions and take an in-depth look into issues related to leadership, workforce development, membership and how Texas communities fared following the legislative session.

Barrios honors employees Barrios Technology recently held a luncheon to recognize employees who were recipients of 2018 awards -- all 2018 Silver BEAR winners, as well as employee receiving service awards. Rad Sinyak was presented with the Gold BEAR award for his outstanding efforts to design, develop and lead NASA’s Project Mars Competition to engage the creative community across the world by inviting them to visualize NASA plans for deep space exploration through submission of a short film or poster. He dedicated more than two years to the successful design, execution and completion of Project Mars, working directly with NASA Headquarters to complete and promote the competition, which resulted in the receipt of 454 poster entries from 17 countries and 120 short films representing 9 countries. He also secured an agreement with Cinemark to screen the winning film ahead of the release of the film First Man in 270 theaters nationwide, reaching 23,800 viewers. EMY AWARD The Emy Award recognizes an employee who contributed beyond the workplace in service to the community. Barrios selected Kelley Evans to be recognized with the 2018 Emy Award. Evans was honored for her efforts volunteering at BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions. Serving as a volunteer since 2015, Evans has generously given hundreds of hours to the shelter serving as a photographer assistant and working with families on adoptions. OTHERS HONORED Barrios also recognized numerous employees for their years of service. Barrios presented 5-Year Awards to 10 employees, eight employees received 10-Year pins, two 15-Year Awards, five 20-Year Award and one 35-Year Service Award pin. Two employees were recognized for completing advanced degrees; Ashley Rapson received her Master of Science in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and Michael Mein completed his MBA/Business Administration from Texas A&M University.

AUGUST 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Clear Lake

Start of school Aug. 19. Clear Creek ISD students will begin a new year on Monday, Aug. 19. No appointments are necessary. Bayou Theater season opens. The bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent opens the Bayou Theater’s season with some of our favorite hits at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, and then Bach is paired with Piazzolla as the Bayou kicks off its classical series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. For tickets, call 281-283-3024 or visit www.uhcl. edu/bayoutheater

Deer Park

Pasadena

Business Expo Aug. 15. The Pasadena Chamber’s annual business expo will be held Thursday, Aug. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, with over 100 vendors. Free and open to the public. School starts Aug. 19. Students in Pasadena ISD will head back to school on Monday, Aug. 19.

Salute to education Aug. 23. The Deer Park Chamber will host its annual Salute to Education Luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on Deer Park High School’s South Campus, 710 W. San Augustine Ave., for all new Deer Park teachers, faculty members of the year for San Jacinto College and Texas Chiropractic College and teachers of the year from all DPISD campuses. Luncheon tickets are $25 and may be reserved by calling 281-479-1559 or emailing Shae@ deerparkchamber.org

Chamber luncheon, Aug. 22. Pasadena Chamber members will be given an update on the State of Education in the area by Dr. DeeAnn Powell of Pasadena ISD, Dr. Brenda Hellyer of San Jacinto College, Dr. Ira Blake of the University of HoustonClear Lake and Dr. Stephen Foster of Texas Chiropractic College at their monthly luncheon Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Fountain Blu Event Center, 6327 Spencer Highway, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the Playhouse. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare opens Friday, Aug. 16 at the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 1 with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@ comcast.net School days. Dickinson ISD students start fall classes Monday, Aug. 19.

League City

Teachers luncheon Aug. 7. The Clear Lake Area Chamber will host its annual New Teachers Luncheon at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-488-7676. Start of school Aug. 19. Clear Creek ISD students head back to school Monday, Aug. 19. Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2019

HSLBA Party Aug. 14. The Houston Symphony League Bay Area’s Wine and Cheese Party for prospective members will be held Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 18300 Upper Bay Road.

School starts Aug. 21. Deer Park ISD students will begin their fall classes on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Dickinson

Nassau Bay

Little Theatre drama Aug. 23. The drama, Pig, opens Friday, Aug. 23, in the Pasadena Little Theatre’s Black Box Theatre and plays through Sunday, Sept. 1 with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 713941-1758.

Seabrook

35th anniversary party Aug. 14. Bay Area Museum Guild members will celebrate 35 years of service to the community with a party at the museum in Clear Lake Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14. All members are invited to the celebration and to learn of the guild’s future plans. RSVP to Louise Russell at louiserussell100@gmail.com or call her at 281-300-5262.

Webster

Senior Game Night. Senior Game Night will be held Friday, Aug. 9 and Friday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., at the Webster Recreation Building, 311 Pennsylvania Ave. Includes dinner, games and conversation. For information, call Bryan Morgan, 281316-4137.